NOVEMBER 2019 GOALS
October was one heck of a ride. I was in the middle of midterms, the final weeks of a job that I should’ve quit long before, and in the last month of training for the spartan beast. I was hardly sleeping, I wasn’t eating (and when I did, it was not good for my body), and was overwhelmed and stressed more than ever before. I was constantly anxious and fell into a depressed state for the majority of the month. While I still trained faithfully and went to class, I wasn’t my usual happy self. I didn’t have the energy to think about anything but what was next on my to-do list.
I told myself that I just needed to get to my race, and that everything would work out after that. I lived day to day. And when I couldn’t do that, I scraped by hour by hour.
In retrospect, and by the books, October was an AMAZING month. I took the plunge and quit my job to pursue my photography career. I drove to California by myself and ran a spartan beast!! It was a big month for me. I showed myself that I had courage.
But, it was a wreck for my health.
My friend’s house in Salt Lake. We had a huge sleepover there the night before and I was the first one to wake in the morning. I had the whole house to myself for an hour and a half to ponder and pray. It was a sanctuary for me to meditate on what I needed to change.
This month I resolve to get myself back to full health—physically, mentally, emotionally.
I will prioritize sleep and nutritious foods over exercise.
I will give myself time to read and write in my journal.
I will spend more time with my Heavenly Father.
I will spend more time with people that I love.
I have a hustler’s mentality. I feel that if I’m not constantly busy or pushing myself to the very edge, I’m not making good use of my time. In reality, there needs to be time to rest, too.
When I was in the MTC, my brother and sister shared advice that I’ve always tried to remember:
Jesus rested.
Even in his calling and divinity as the Son of God and Savior of the World, and even though he spent most of his time teaching and healing, he still took time to rest. He had quiet moments by himself. He realigned Himself with the father. He prayed for help. And because He did this, He was able to serve all the more effectively.
When you can give 100%, give 100%. But when you can only give 70%, give 100% of that 70%.
This changed my LIFE. You aren’t always going to be completely efficient and on your A-game. But on days where you aren’t able to do as much, make sure you do all that you can. No one can do everything all the time, but make sure you are giving your honest effort.
I don’t always need to be busy or actively working toward a huge goal. This is a period of rest for me, to recuperate and be healthy again. I’m grateful that last month taught me that I need to take care of myself, and I’m grateful that have this month to focus on it.